JAMES RYAN had to be stretchered off in the Lions’ third test against Australia after suffering a horror head injury.
The Irish second row was on the receiving end of a nasty knee to the head early in the second half of the Sydney showdown.
AFPThe Lions’ third test against Australia took place in Sydney on Saturday afternoon[/caption]
GETTYJames Ryan was on the receiving end of a nasty accidental knee from Will Skelton in the second half[/caption]
Ryan was stretchered off the pitch by medical staffSPORTSFILE
Ryan gave the thumbs-up to fans as he was stretchered offSPORTSFILE
The Leinster ace paid the price for poor head placement during a tackle on Will Skelton.
The incident lit the blue touch paper for a brief scuffle between irate Lions players and their Aussie counterparts.
Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed and no serious blows were thrown.
Ryan, after receiving treatment from the Lions’ medical staff, was eventually placed on a stretcher and taken off the pitch.
Rugby fans flocked to social media to comment on his horror injury.
One wrote on X: ” Horrible for James Ryan. Really nasty blow to the head.
“Worth pointing out that Will Skelton immediately recognised the severity of the knock, which came from his knee, and then knelt over him as if to protect Ryan from anyone falling on top him before it kicked off again.”
Another said: “Hope James Ryan is ok. That looks awful.”
GETTYJames Ryan’s injury sparked a brief scuffle between Australia and Lions players[/caption]
GETTYCooler heads eventually prevailed and the melee ended up being a brief one[/caption]
And another said: “Got to feel for James Ryan.
“Another setback after proving the doubters wrong and showing why he is always involved with Leinster and Ireland in big matches.
“He is a top class lock and disrupted. Hope he is grand and it is not too bad for his sake & future.”
One remarked: “Let’s hope James Ryan is okay.
“The lad has taken so many hits to that head down the years.”
Ryan’s team-mates followed him down the tunnel just moments after he was stretchered off as the match was halted due to adverse weather conditions.
Heavy rain and the threat of lightning forced the referee to postpone the match for a minimum of 30 minutes.
And they eventually returned to the pitch after the lightning moved away from the 10km danger zone.
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